ROV Wheel Displacement Linkage for Stable Rail Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing displacement mechanisms for remotely operated vehicles in automated storage and retrieval systems suffer from instability due to loose fitting slots, limited space utilization, and unreliable locking mechanisms, leading to unstable wheel movement and inefficient use of vehicle components.
Innovation Solution
A displacement mechanism utilizing a four-bar linkage mechanism with a coupler link, lift rocker, displacement link, and displacement plate, which provides a rocker slider mechanism for stable wheel raising and lowering, incorporating a simpler and more reliable locking mechanism through a four-bar linkage and gearing effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a displacement mechanism with slots is used to guide wheel movement, then the mechanism can provide guiding function, but the loose fitting slots cause instability in wheel movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the slot guiding component from the displacement mechanism entirely. Instead of using slots to guide wheel movement, the invention uses a link mechanism with fixed pivot points that eliminates the need for slots, thereby removing the source of instability while maintaining the guiding function through the link geometry
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than having the slot guide the wheel movement (passive guidance), the invention inverts the approach by having the link mechanism actively define the movement path through its rigid structure and pivot points, transforming the guiding function from a constraint-based system to a structure-based system
2Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used to secure wheels on the rail system, then the wheels can be reliably locked, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement mechanism itself provides the locking function through its geometric configuration. When the displacement plate reaches the desired position, the link mechanism's pivot points and link lengths naturally create a stable, self-locking configuration that secures the wheels on the rail system without requiring separate locking components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the displacement function and locking function into a single integrated mechanism. The same link mechanism that displaces the wheels also provides the locking action through its geometric constraints, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity
3Ease of operation
If traditional displacement mechanisms are used, then wheel raising and lowering can be achieved, but space utilization is limited and components are inefficiently used
Solution Approach 1:
The link mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the guiding function for wheel movement, the displacement function for raising and lowering wheels, and the locking function for securing wheels on the rail system. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and improves space utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism is designed to compactly arrange its components within the vehicle body, with the link mechanism and displacement plate nested within the available space. The pivots and links are positioned to maximize space efficiency while maintaining full functionality for wheel displacement and locking
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
The invention concerns a displacement mechanism (16) for a remotely operated vehicle (400,500,600,700), the displacement mechanism (16) being for raising and lowering wheels (25) onto a rail system (108) that the remotely operated vehicle (400,500,600,700) runs on. Furthermore, the invention concerns a remotely operated vehicle (400,500,600,700) comprising such a displacement mechanism (16), a method for raising and lowering the wheels of a remotely operated vehicle (400,500,600,700) comprising such a displacement mechanism (16) and an automated storage and retrieval system (1) comprising at least one remotely operated vehicle (400,500,600,700) comprising such a displacement mechanism (16).